I for one a former resident of Appalachia was not offended by Corelis'
piece. Southern slang. Dialect of a stereotypical nature? Don't believe that
the spin here was to that pernicious effect.
Just because one speaks with a tongue not of his own is not enough reason to
discard the effort. Or deny it's as contribution.
Political correctness is often subterfuge for moralizing. The deep-end here
is that Corelis dragged the classic through the muck. Hefted as one would a
sack of flour. Out of his element, perhaps.
Though by a southern slang rendition the classic remains. The unplowed
bottom land.
Who would wish for anyone to avoid experiment with slang? Outlaw the rural
south tongue that wags the confederate flag.
Corelis faux pas was he didn't have it down, enthusiastic yes. But his
insights weren't particularly keen. Language a bit dry, brittle. I choked on
a few stones.
Not so much judgment was he lacking, but talent, resilience and innovation.
But I'm grateful that he showed the courage to post to the list. I enjoyed
the read.
I'm not certain if the work stereotype has outlived its usefulness. Perhaps
it should be abandoned for purposes of social enlightenment, not for
language reform.
The popularity of ebonics as of late suggests the entrenched qualities of an
inner-city language. That dialect or dialects has much validity.
Ernest Slyman
HomePage
www.geocities.com/soho/7514
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"All around the hours run swift
their foolish errands."
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